Printers and how to print images

Abstract

To properly print an image while suppressing deterioration in productivity when making a spray unit apply a liquid agent.SOLUTION: A printer 10 comprises a sensor 110 that detects positions of crop marks C1-C4, and a control device 120 that controls a print head 20 and a spray unit 30. The control device 120 comprises: a mark printing part 122 that prints the crop marks C1-C4 on a matter 5 to be printed; a spray control part 123 that forms a liquid agent layer LL on the matter 5 to be printed; an original point determining part 125 that when the matter 5 to be printed having the crop marks C1-C4 and the liquid agent layer LL formed thereon is arranged on a support stand 12 again, determines a printing original point PS at the time of printing an image IM on the matter 5 to be printed, on the basis of the positions of the crop marks C1-C4 detected by the sensor 110; and an image printing part 127 that prints the image IM on the matter 5 to be printed, with the determined printing original point PS as a reference.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer and a method for printing an image. [Background technology]

[0002] Printers equipped with an ink head that ejects ink onto a substrate to print an image and a dispenser that ejects liquid for other purposes have been known for some time. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that is equipped with an ink head that ejects ink and a dispenser that ejects decorative ink that is a non-Newtonian fluid containing a pigment with large particle diameters, and that is capable of highly decorative designs.

[0003] Incidentally, a printing device may apply, for example, a liquid agent for forming a base layer or a liquid agent for forming a top coat on a substrate. Such liquid agents are often applied over a wide area of ​​the substrate. However, it is difficult to quickly apply the liquid agent over a wide area of ​​the substrate using an ink head or dispenser such as that described in Patent Document 1.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for spray coating a liquid agent or the like for forming a base layer. By spray coating, the liquid agent can be quickly applied to a wide area of ​​the printing substrate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-104334 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-34675 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when a liquid agent is applied over a wide area of ​​a substrate using a spray device, a large amount of liquid agent is applied, and therefore it takes time to dry. In particular, when a liquid agent is applied to a substrate using a spray device to form a base layer and an image is printed by ejecting ink onto the formed base layer, the image cannot be printed until the base layer dries, which causes a problem of reduced productivity.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and its purpose is to provide a printer and an image printing method that can properly print images while suppressing a decrease in productivity when a liquid agent is applied using a spray device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The inventors of the present application have noticed that after applying a liquid agent to a substrate using a spray device, the substrate can be removed from the support table and the liquid agent applied to the substrate can be dried in another location, allowing printing, etc. to be performed using a printer. However, once the substrate is removed from the support table, even if the substrate is placed on the support table again, the position of the substrate relative to the support table may be shifted, resulting in an image not being printed properly. Therefore, the inventors have discovered that by printing crop marks on the substrate for position adjustment, the image can be printed properly even if the substrate is placed on the support table again after the liquid agent has dried.

[0009] A printer according to the present invention comprises a support table that supports a printing substrate, a print head capable of printing an image and crop marks by ejecting ink toward the printing substrate supported on the support table, a spray device capable of forming a liquid layer by spraying a liquid toward the printing substrate supported on the support table, a crop mark detection device that detects the positions of the crop marks, and a control device that controls the print head and the spray device. The control device comprises: a mark printing unit that controls the print head to print the crop marks on the printing substrate, a spray control unit that controls the spray device to form the liquid layer on the printing substrate, an origin determination unit that determines a printing origin when printing the image on the printing substrate based on the positions of the crop marks detected by the crop mark detection device when the printing substrate with the crop marks and the liquid layer formed is placed again on the support table, and an image printing unit that controls the print head to print the image on the printing substrate based on the printing origin determined by the origin determination unit.

[0010] In the printer according to the present invention, the control device includes a mark printing unit that prints crop marks on the substrate and an origin determination unit that determines a printing origin when printing an image on the substrate based on the positions of the crop marks detected by the crop mark detection device. Therefore, when the substrate on which the crop marks and liquid layer have been formed is removed from the support table and the liquid layer is dried, and then the substrate is placed back on the support table, the origin determination unit can determine the printing origin by detecting the positions of the crop marks with the crop mark detection device. The image printing unit of the control device then controls the print head to print an image on the substrate based on the printing origin determined by the origin determination unit. In this way, even if the substrate is once removed from the support table and the liquid layer is dried in another location, the printing origin is determined based on the crop marks when the image is subsequently printed. Therefore, the image can be printed at the appropriate position on the substrate, just as if the liquid layer had been dried on the support table without removing the substrate from the support table. Here, when the printing substrate is removed from the support table to dry the liquid layer, an image can be printed on another printing substrate on the support table, thereby preventing a decrease in productivity.

[0011] Furthermore, a method for printing an image according to the present invention includes ejecting ink from a print head to print crop marks on a substrate supported on a support table; spraying a liquid from a spray device to form a liquid layer on the substrate supported on the support table; removing the substrate on which the crop marks and the liquid layer have been formed from the support table and drying the liquid layer; placing the substrate including the dried liquid layer back on the support table; detecting positions of the crop marks on the substrate placed back on the support table with a crop mark detection device; determining a printing origin when printing an image on the substrate based on the positions of the crop marks; and ejecting ink from the print head based on the determined printing origin to print the image on the substrate.

[0012] The image printing method according to the present invention includes printing crop marks on a substrate and determining a printing origin when printing the image on the substrate based on the position of the crop marks detected by the crop mark detection device. Therefore, when the substrate on which the crop marks and a liquid layer have been formed is removed from the support table and the liquid layer is dried, and then the substrate is placed back on the support table, the printing origin can be determined by detecting the position of the crop marks using the crop mark detection device. The printing method also includes ejecting ink from the print head based on the determined printing origin to print an image on the substrate. In this way, even if the substrate is removed from the support table and the liquid layer is dried in another location, the printing origin is determined based on the crop marks when the image is subsequently printed. This allows the image to be printed at the appropriate position on the substrate, just as if the liquid layer had been dried on the support table without removing the substrate from the support table. Here, while the substrate is removed from the support table to dry the liquid layer, the support table can be used to print an image on another substrate, thereby reducing a decrease in productivity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer and an image printing method that can appropriately print images while suppressing a decrease in productivity when a liquid agent is applied by a spray device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the print carriage and spray carriage. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the fluid supply system for the print head and spray gun. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the spray carriage. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the printing system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an example of a printing substrate on which an image is printed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing the positional relationship between the image, the liquid layer, the crop marks, and the rectangular marks in the print data. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of a printing substrate on which crop marks and a liquid layer are formed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a printing object placed at an angle on a support table. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing the positional relationship between the image, the liquid layer, the crop marks, and the rectangular marks in the print data after correction. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which an image is printed on a printing medium placed at an angle on a support table based on corrected print data. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which an image is printed on a printing medium that is tilted and placed on a support table based on print data that has not been corrected. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure for printing an image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiment described here is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to designate components and parts that perform the same functions, and redundant descriptions will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0016] In the following description, when viewing the printer 10 from the front, the side away from the printer 10 is referred to as the front, and the side closer to the printer 10 is referred to as the rear. Furthermore, the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings represent front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom, respectively. The left-right direction is the main scanning direction of the printer 10. The front-to-back direction is the sub-scanning direction of the printer 10. In the drawings, the main scanning direction is represented by the symbol Y. The sub-scanning direction X is represented by the symbol X. The main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X are orthogonal to each other in a plan view. However, these directions are merely used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the installation mode of the printer 10.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a printing system 200 according to one embodiment. The printing system 200 includes a printer 10 and a terminal device 150. The printer 10 is communicatively connected to the terminal device 150. The printer 10 prints an image, crop marks, and the like on a substrate 5 placed on a support table 12 by ejecting ink from a print head 20 that moves in a main scanning direction Y and a sub-scanning direction X. The printer 10 also sprays a liquid agent for pre-printing treatment from a spray unit 30 that moves in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X. The printer 10 thereby performs pre-printing treatment on the substrate 5 placed on the support table 12. The liquid agent sprayed from the spray unit 30 is a treatment liquid for base treatment of the substrate 5, such as a primer or white ink. The liquid agent sprayed from the spray unit 30 is not particularly limited.

[0018] In this embodiment, the ink may be, for example, a photocurable ink (e.g., an ink containing a UV-curable resin that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength range) or a solvent ink (i.e., a solvent-based pigment ink containing a pigment and a solvent). However, the ink components, color, etc. are not particularly limited. The ink may be, for example, a process color ink such as CMYK, or a special color ink such as orange ink or metallic ink.

[0019] The printing substrate 5 is an object on which an image and crop marks are printed and on which pre-processing for image printing is performed. The printing substrate 5 may be, for example, recording paper or a resin sheet. However, the material and shape of the printing substrate 5 are not particularly limited. The printing substrate 5 may have a three-dimensional shape. The number of printing substrates 5 may be two or more. The material of the printing substrate 5 is preferably, for example, paper, resin, wood, or fabric. The material of the printing substrate 5 may also be metal, glass, or the like.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a printer main body 11, a support table 12 that supports the substrate 5, a print head 20, a light irradiation device 21, a print carriage 22 that holds the print head 20 and the light irradiation device 21, a spray unit 30, a spray carriage 40 that holds the spray unit 30, a main scanning direction moving device 50 that moves the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y, a sub-scanning direction moving device 60 that moves the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 in the sub-scanning direction X, and a control device 120.

[0021] The printer body 11 is a box-shaped member that supports the main parts of the printer 10. The printer body 11 directly or indirectly supports the support table 12, print head 20, light irradiation device 21, print carriage 22, spray unit 30, spray carriage 40, main scanning direction movement device 50, sub-scanning direction movement device 60, and control device 120. The support table 12 is exposed above the printer body 11. The support table 12 is a flat plate-shaped member. The upper surface of the support table 12 forms a placement surface 12a on which the printing substrate 5 is placed. The placement surface 12a extends along a horizontal plane. The main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X are directions that are approximately parallel to the placement surface 12a.

[0022] The main scanning direction movement device 50 moves the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y. As will be described in detail later, the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 are configured to be connectable or disconnectable. When the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 are connected, the main scanning direction movement device 50 moves them together. When the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 are separated, the main scanning direction movement device 50 moves only the spray carriage 40 independently.

[0023] The main scanning direction movement device 50 includes a guide rail 51, a belt 52, and a carriage motor 53 (see FIG. 5). The guide rail 51 is provided above the support base 12. The guide rail 51 extends in the main scanning direction Y. The print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 are engaged with the guide rail 51 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction Y. The print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 are configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 51. In this embodiment, the spray carriage 40 is disposed to the left of the print carriage 22. The main scanning direction movement device 50 moves the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 51. A belt 52 extending in the main scanning direction Y is fixed to the upper rear surface of the spray carriage 40. The belt 52 is connected to the carriage motor 53. When the carriage motor 53 rotates, the belt 52 runs in the main scanning direction Y. As a result, the spray carriage 40 moves in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 51.

[0024] The printer 10 includes a coupling mechanism 70 (see FIG. 2) that couples or decouples the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40. FIG. 2 is a front view of the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the coupling mechanism 70 includes a right coupling member 71 attached to the print carriage 22 and a left coupling member 72 attached to the spray carriage 40. The right coupling member 71 is attached to the left side of the print carriage 22. The left coupling member 72 is attached to the right side of the spray carriage 40. In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism 70 couples the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 using magnetic force. One of the right coupling member 71 and the left coupling member 72 includes a magnet, and the other includes a magnetic material that is attracted to the magnet. However, the coupling mechanism 70 is not limited to one that uses magnetic force, and may include other components such as an engaging member. The print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40 are coupled when the right coupling member 71 and the left coupling member 72 come into contact with each other.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1 , the guide rail 51 is supported by a gate-shaped gantry 80. The gantry 80 engages with a rail (not shown) provided on the top surface of the printer body 11. The rail (not shown) extends in the sub-scanning direction X. The gantry 80 is movable in the sub-scanning direction X along the rail. The gantry 80 includes a central portion 81 located in the center of the main scanning direction Y and extending in the main scanning direction Y, a right portion 82 located to the right of the central portion 81, and a left portion 83 located to the right of the central portion 81. The central portion 81 is located above the support base 12 and spans the right portion 82 and the left portion 83. The guide rail 51 is fixed to the front surface of the central portion 81. The right portion 82 is configured in a box shape capable of accommodating the print carriage 22. The left portion 83 is configured in a box shape capable of accommodating the print carriage 22 and the spray carriage 40.

[0026] A cap (not shown) is mounted on the print head 20 inside the right section 82 of the gantry 80. When the printer is on standby for printing, the cap is mounted on the print head 20. Hereinafter, the position of the print carriage 22 at which the cap can be mounted on the print head 20 is referred to as the home position. The home position is located inside the right section 82 of the gantry 80. A locking device (not shown) that immobilizes the print carriage 22 is also located inside the right section 82 of the gantry 80. The locking device includes a locking actuator 73 (see FIG. 5 ) that switches the print carriage 22 between a state in which it is immobile and a state in which it is released and movable. When the print carriage 22 is to be separated from the spray carriage 40, the print carriage 22 is positioned at the home position and is fixed by the locking device. When the spray carriage 40 moves leftward in this state, the right-side connecting member 71 and the left-side connecting member 72 separate, and the connection between the spray carriage 40 and the print carriage 22 is released. As a result, the main scanning direction moving device 50 can move the spray carriage 40 independently of the print carriage 22.

[0027] The sub-scanning direction moving device 60 moves the gantry 80 in the sub-scanning direction X. This causes the guide rails 51 to move in the sub-scanning direction X, and the print carriage 22 and spray carriage 40 engaged with the guide rails 51 move in the sub-scanning direction X. The sub-scanning direction moving device 60 is equipped with a gantry motor 61 (see FIG. 5) that moves the gantry 80.

[0028] The print head 20 ejects ink toward the printing substrate 5 supported by the support base 12. The print head 20 is configured to be able to print an image and crop marks on the printing substrate 5. In this embodiment, the print head 20 is an inkjet print head. In this embodiment, the term "inkjet type" refers to inkjet types using various conventionally known methods, including various continuous types such as binary deflection type or continuous deflection type, and various on-demand types such as thermal type or piezoelectric type. However, the type of the print head is not limited to the inkjet type. The print head 20 is provided above the support base 12. A plurality of nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink are formed on the underside of the print head 20.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the liquid supply system of the print head 20 and the spray unit 30. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of ink cartridges 23 are connected to the print head 20 via ink flow paths 24 (however, all but two systems are not shown). The ink cartridges 23 contain ink. As shown in FIG. 1, the ink cartridges 23 are attached to an ink cartridge attachment section 84 provided at the top of the left section 83 of the gantry 80. As shown in FIG. 3, each ink flow path 24 is provided with an ink pump 25 that supplies ink from the ink cartridge 23 to the print head 20.

[0030] 2, light irradiation devices 21 are provided on the right and left sides of the print carriage 22. The light irradiation devices 21 irradiate light that hardens the ink that has been ejected from the print head 20 and landed on the printing substrate 5.

[0031] The spray unit 30 is a unit that sprays a liquid toward the printing substrate 5 supported by the support table 12. The spray unit 30 is configured to form a liquid layer on the printing substrate 5 by spraying the liquid. The liquid is sprayed, for example, in an atomized state. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the spray carriage 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the spray unit 30 includes a spray gun 31, a liquid tank 32 connected to the spray gun 31, and a mist catcher 33. Note that some components, such as the print carriage 22 and guide rail 51, are not shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the spray gun 31 includes a spray nozzle 31a from which the liquid is sprayed, a spray valve 31b, a liquid supply port 31c, a valve control air supply port 31d, and an atomization air supply port 31e. The liquid tank 32 is a tank that stores the liquid to be sprayed onto the printing substrate 5 and is connected to the liquid supply port 31c of the spray gun 31. The liquid agent tank 32 includes a cylindrical storage portion 32a in which the liquid agent is stored, and a liquid pressure control air supply port 32b provided at the top of the liquid agent tank 32. The spray unit 30 is an example of a spray device. The liquid agent tank 32 is an example of a tank.

[0032] 3, the liquid supply system of the spray unit 30 includes an air compressor 91 and an air supply path 92 connected to the air compressor 91. The air compressor 91 is an example of a compression device that generates compressed air. In this embodiment, the air compressor 91 is built into the printer 10. However, the printer 10 does not necessarily have to include the air compressor 91, and compressed air may be supplied from, for example, an external compression device.

[0033] The air compressor 91 is provided in a location separate from and spaced apart from the spray carriage 40. This allows the spray carriage 40 to be made smaller and lighter. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the air compressor 91 is housed in a housing space 11a provided inside the printer main body 11. The housing space 11a is provided below the mounting surface 12a of the support base 12.

[0034] 3, the air supply path 92 includes a common path 92a connected to the air compressor 91 and three paths 92b, 92c, and 92d branching off from the common path 92a. The hydraulic control air path 92b is connected to the hydraulic control air supply port 32b of the liquid tank 32 and supplies air for supplying the liquid to the spray gun 31. The valve control air supply path 92c is connected to the valve control air supply port 31d of the spray gun 31 and supplies air for driving the spray valve 31b. The atomizing air supply path 92d is connected to the atomizing air supply port 31e of the spray gun 31 and supplies air for atomizing the liquid.

[0035] The spray valve 31b is a valve that opens or closes communication between the liquid agent supply port 31c and the spray nozzle 31a. The spray valve 31b is configured to open or close communication between the liquid agent supply port 31c and the spray nozzle 31a when compressed air is supplied to the valve control air supply port 31d, and to close communication between the liquid agent supply port 31c and the spray nozzle 31a when the supply of compressed air is stopped. When compressed air is supplied to the hydraulic control air supply port 32b of the liquid agent tank 32 and the spray valve 31b is opened, the liquid agent is supplied to the spray nozzle 31a. The liquid agent is atomized (also referred to as atomization) by compressed air supplied to the atomizing air supply port 31e and sprayed from the spray nozzle 31a. However, the configuration of the spray unit 30 is not particularly limited. The spray unit 30 may include, for example, an electrically driven spray valve 31b. The liquid agent tank 32 may be provided at a location separate from the spray gun 31, for example, at a location other than the spray carriage 40.

[0036] 3, the common flow path 92a is provided with a filter regulator 93 that adjusts the pressure of the compressed air generated by the air compressor 91 and removes oil mist and the like. The hydraulic pressure control air flow path 92b is provided with a regulator 94 that adjusts the pressure of the compressed air downstream, and a solenoid valve 95 that opens and closes the flow path.

[0037] The valve-controlled air supply path 92c is provided with a solenoid valve 98 that opens and closes the path. The atomization air supply path 92d is provided with a regulator 99 that adjusts the pressure of the compressed air downstream, and a solenoid valve 100 that opens and closes the path. However, the configuration of the air supply path 92 is not limited to the one described above. For example, each of the solenoid valves 95, 98, and 100 may be replaced with a different type of valve, such as an air-driven valve.

[0038] At least the portion of the air supply path 92 connected to the spray unit 30 is made of flexible tubing. This portion is the portion that spans between the printer body 11 and the spray carriage 40. In this embodiment, the entire air supply path 92 is made of flexible tubing. However, the portion of the air supply path 92 away from the spray unit 30 may not be made of flexible tubing but may be made of, for example, a fixed material. In this embodiment, the portions 92b1, 92c1, and 92d1 of the air supply path 92 downstream of the solenoid valves 95, 98, and 100 of the hydraulic pressure control air flow path 92b, the valve control air supply path 92c, and the atomization air supply path 92d are made of flexible tubing. However, if another component is provided downstream of the solenoid valves 95, 98, or 100 of the air supply path 92, only the portion downstream of that component may be made of flexible tubing. Hereinafter, the tubes connected to the spray unit 30 will also be designated by the symbols 92b1, 92c1, and 92d1.

[0039] The spray gun 31 is connected to a liquid agent tank 32 and tubes 92c1 and 92d1 of an air supply path 92. The spray gun 31 atomizes the liquid agent using compressed air generated by an air compressor 91 and sprays it toward the printing substrate 5. A spray nozzle 31a, from which the liquid agent is sprayed, is provided at the bottom end of the spray gun 31. The liquid agent sprayed from the spray nozzle 31a spreads downward. Therefore, the spray nozzle 31a can apply the liquid agent to a wide area at once. The mist catcher 33 (see FIG. 2) collects the mist of the liquid agent generated when the liquid agent is sprayed. As shown in FIG. 2, the mist catcher 33 is attached to the spray carriage 40 so as to surround the periphery of the spray nozzle 31a. The mist in the mist catcher 33 is sucked into and collected by the mist collection port 33a. Although not shown, a flexible tube is also connected to the mist collection port 33a.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the spray carriage 40 includes a spray gun support portion 41 that supports the spray gun 31, and a tube holder portion 42 that holds tubes. The spray gun support portion 41 is a flat member that extends in the vertical direction and the main scanning direction Y. A linear motion block (not shown) is fixed to the back surface of the spray gun support portion 41. The linear motion block is slidably engaged with a guide rail 51 (see FIG. 1). A belt 52 (see FIG. 1) is also fixed to the back surface of the spray gun support portion 41. The spray unit 30 is fixed to the front surface of the spray gun support portion 41.

[0041] The tube holding portion 42 extends rearward (toward the guide rail 51) from the upper end of the spray gun support portion 41. The tube holding portion 42 extends in the primary scanning direction Y and the secondary scanning direction X. The tube holding portion 42 includes a plurality of retaining rings 42a. Each retaining ring 42a is annular and allows tubes to be inserted therethrough. Tubes 92b1, 92c1, and 92d1 of the hydraulic control air flow path 92b, the valve control air supply path 92c, and the atomization air supply path 92d, as well as a mist collection tube, are inserted through the retaining rings 42a.

[0042] The tubes 92b1, 92c1, 92d1 and the mist collection tube are housed in a cable protection and guide device 101 behind the tube holding portion 42. The cable protection and guide device 101 is provided along the central portion 81 of the gantry 80. The cable protection and guide device 101 is a tubular member whose bending position changes depending on the position of the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y. The cable protection and guide device 101 prevents the tubes 92b1, 92c1, 92d1 and the mist collection tube from being pulled or rubbing against other components due to the movement of the spray carriage 40.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the spray carriage 40 is provided with a sensor 110 that detects the positions of crop marks C1 to C4 (see FIG. 6) and a rectangular mark C5 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later. The sensor 110 is an example of a crop mark detection device. The sensor 110 is provided on the underside of the spray carriage 40 and faces the support base 12. The type of sensor 110 is not particularly limited. For example, various conventional sensors, such as optical sensors, can be suitably used as the sensor 110. The sensor 110 detects the positions of the crop marks C1 to C4 and the rectangular mark C5 based on the difference in reflectance between the crop marks C1 to C4 and the rectangular mark C5 and the reflectance of the printing substrate 5. The sensor 110 may also be provided in the print carriage 22.

[0044] The control device 120 is housed in the right portion 82 of the gantry 80. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the printing system 200. The control device 120 is electrically connected to the print head 20, the light irradiation device 21, the ink pump 25, the spray unit 30 (i.e., the solenoid valve 95 of the hydraulic control air flow path 92b, the solenoid valve 98 of the valve control air supply path 92c, and the solenoid valve 100 of the atomization air supply path 92d), the carriage motor 53, the gantry motor 61, and the locking actuator 73, and is configured to control them. The control device 120 is also electrically connected to the sensor 110. The air compressor 91 may be driven autonomously to maintain a constant pressure of compressed air, or may be controlled by the control device 120. The configuration of the control device 120 is not particularly limited. The control device 120 is, for example, a microcomputer. The hardware configuration of the microcomputer is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, an interface (I / F) for receiving print data and the like from an external device such as a host computer, a central processing unit (CPU) for executing instructions from a control program, a read only memory (ROM) for storing the program executed by the CPU, a random access memory (RAM) used as a working area for expanding the program, and a storage device such as a memory for storing the program and various data. Note that the control device 120 does not necessarily have to be provided inside the printer 10, and may be, for example, a computer or the like installed outside the printer 10 and connected to the printer 10 via wired or wireless communication so as to be able to communicate with the printer 10.

[0045] The control device 120 controls the solenoid valve 95 of the hydraulic control air flow path 92b, the solenoid valve 98 of the valve control air supply path 92c, and the solenoid valve 100 of the atomization air supply path 92d to spray the liquid from the spray unit 30, and controls the carriage motor 53 to move the spray carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y. This causes the liquid to be applied to a portion below the movement path of the spray carriage 40. The control device 120 repeats the above operation while moving the position of the gantry 80 in the sub-scanning direction X, thereby applying the liquid for pre-treatment before image printing to a desired position on the printing substrate 5.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 120 includes a transmitter / receiver 121, a mark printing unit 122, a spray control unit 123, a mark detection unit 124, an origin determination unit 125, a tilt calculation unit 126, and an image printing unit 127. The functions of each unit of the control device 120 are realized by a program. This program is read from a recording medium such as a CD or DVD. The program may also be downloaded via the Internet. The functions of each unit of the control device 120 may also be realized by a processor and / or circuit.

[0047] The transceiver 121 receives print data transmitted from the transceiver 154 (described later) of the terminal device 150. The print data is created, for example, by an external device. The print data is image files of various formats created by a computer or the like that are converted (rasterized) into a format readable by the printer 10 using a computer program such as a RIP (Raster Image Processor). The print data is data that has undergone RIP processing. The print data is, for example, data in raster format. The print data includes a printing origin, data (image data) of the image to be printed on the printing substrate, data of crop marks, data of rectangular marks, and data related to the application of the liquid agent (for example, data relating the application amount and application position). These pieces of data are related to each other, and the printing origin, the position on the printing substrate where the image is printed, the position where the crop marks are printed, the position where the rectangular marks are printed, and the position where the liquid agent is applied are uniquely determined. 7 is an image diagram showing the positional relationship of the printing origin PS, image IM, area to which the liquid is applied (i.e., liquid layer LL), crop marks C1 to C4, and rectangular mark C5 in the print data. The transmitting / receiving unit 121 transmits information about the inclination θ of the printing substrate 5 calculated by the inclination calculation unit 126 (see FIG. 9) to the terminal device 150, as will be described later.

[0048] The mark printing unit 122 controls the print head 20 to print crop marks C1 to C4 (see FIG. 8) on the printing substrate 5. The mark printing unit 122 controls the print head 20 to print a rectangular mark C5 (see FIG. 8) on the printing substrate 5. The mark printing unit 122 prints the crop marks C1 to C4 and the rectangular mark C5 based on the print data. The mark printing unit 122 controls the carriage motor 53 and the gantry motor 61 to move the print carriage 22, which holds the print head 20, in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 8, crop marks C1 to C4 are printed outside the four corners of the rectangular printing area PR of the printing substrate 5 on which the image IM (see FIG. 6) is printed. The first crop mark C1 is located diagonally downward right of the printing area PR in FIG. 8. The second crop mark C2 is located diagonally downward left of the printing area PR in FIG. 8 and is separated from the first crop mark C1 in the main scanning direction Y. The third crop mark C3 is located diagonally upward right of the printing area PR in FIG. 8 and is separated from the first crop mark C1 in the sub-scanning direction X. The fourth crop mark C4 is located diagonally upward left of the printing area PR in FIG. 8 and is separated from the second crop mark C2 in the sub-scanning direction X and from the third crop mark C3 in the main scanning direction Y. In this embodiment, the first and third crop marks C1 and C3 are arranged so that their respective right ends are at the same position in the main scanning direction Y as the right end of the printing area PR. The second and fourth crop marks C2 and C4 are positioned so that their respective left edges are aligned with the left edge of the print area PR in the main scanning direction Y. In this embodiment, the crop marks C1 to C4 are all formed as black circles. However, the shape of the crop marks C1 to C4 is not limited to circles, and their color is not limited to black. Here, the dimensions of the crop marks C1 to C4 are the same. However, some of the crop marks C1 to C4 may differ in shape or size from the other parts.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 8, the rectangular mark C5 has a rectangular shape. The rectangular mark C5 is located between the first crop mark C1 and the second crop mark C2. The front end of the rectangular mark C5 is located behind the front end of the first crop mark C1 (in other words, on the printing area PR side). The rectangular mark C5 is a mark that is read to determine the approximate positions of the crop marks C1 to C4 when the sensor 110 detects the crop marks C1 to C4. The rectangular mark C5 is formed in black, but the color is not limited to black. The rectangular mark C5 may be omitted.

[0051] The spray control unit 123 controls the spray unit 30 to form a liquid layer LL (see FIG. 8) on the printing substrate 5. The spray control unit 123 forms the liquid layer LL based on the print data. The spray control unit 123 controls the carriage motor 53, the gantry motor 61, and the locking actuator 73 to move the spray carriage 40 holding the spray unit 30 in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X. As shown in FIG. 8, the liquid layer LL is formed in the printing region PR. Note that in this embodiment, the liquid layer LL is formed over the entire printing region PR, but it may be formed only in a portion thereof.

[0052] The mark detection unit 124 detects the positions of the crop marks C1 to C4 rearranged on the support table 12 and the crop marks C1 to C4 on the printing substrate 5 on which the liquid layer LL has been formed, using the sensor 110. The mark detection unit 124 controls at least the carriage motor 53 and the gantry motor 61 to move the spray carriage 40 holding the sensor 110 in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X. The mark detection unit 124 controls the sensor 110.

[0053] When the printing substrate 5 on which the crop marks C1 to C4 and the liquid layer LL have been formed is placed again on the support table 12, the origin determination unit 125 determines the printing origin PS (see FIG. 7) when printing the image IM (see FIG. 6) on the printing substrate 5 based on the positions of the crop marks C1 to C4 detected by the sensor 110. The origin determination unit 125 determines the printing origin PS of the reset printing substrate 5 based on information on the positional relationship between the printing origin and the crop marks included in the print data and on position information of the crop marks C1 to C4 actually detected by the sensor 110.

[0054] The tilt calculation unit 126 calculates the tilt θ (see FIG. 9 ) of the printing substrate 5 based on the positions of the crop marks C1 to C4 of the printing substrate 5 placed again on the support table 12. The tilt θ is, for example, the angle between a line SL extending in the sub-scanning direction X and a line BL passing through the right end of the crop mark C1, the right end of the crop mark C3, and the printing origin PS. The printing substrate 5 on which the crop marks C1 to C4 and the liquid layer LL have been formed is removed from the support table 12 to allow the liquid layer LL to dry. After the liquid layer LL has dried, the printing substrate 5 on which the crop marks C1 to C4 and the liquid layer LL have been formed is placed again on the support table 12, but at this time it may be placed at an angle with respect to the support table 12. Therefore, the tilt calculation unit 126 calculates the tilt θ of the printing substrate 5. The inclination calculation unit 126 may calculate the inclination of the crop marks C1 and C2 when a straight line extending in the main scanning direction Y is used as a reference, as the inclination of the printing substrate 5.

[0055] The image printing unit 127 controls the print head 20 to print an image IM (see FIG. 6) on the printing substrate 5 based on the printing origin PS determined by the origin determination unit 125. The image printing unit 127 prints the image IM on the dried liquid layer LL. The image printing unit 127 prints the image IM on the printing substrate 5 based on the print data. Here, if the print data is corrected by a correction unit 155 (described later) of the terminal device 150, the image printing unit 127 prints the image IM on the printing substrate 5 based on the corrected print data, as shown in FIG. 11. Note that if the printing substrate 5 is tilted by an angle θ with respect to the support base 12 and the image IM is printed on the printing substrate 5 based on uncorrected print data, as shown in FIG. 12, the image IM may not be printed in the appropriate position in the printing area PR, and part of the image IM may extend beyond the printing area PR. On the other hand, when the printing substrate 5 is tilted by an angle θ with respect to the support table 12 and an image IM is printed on the printing substrate 5 based on the corrected print data, the image IM is printed at an appropriate position in the printing area PR with an angle θ, as shown in Fig. 11. The image printing unit 127 controls the carriage motor 53 and the gantry motor 61 to move the print carriage 22 holding the print head 20 in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X.

[0056] Next, a terminal device 150 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 150 is communicably connected to the printer 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal device 150 includes a control device 152. The control device 152 is a device that transmits and receives predetermined information to and from the printer 10. The control device 152 includes a storage unit 153, a transmission / reception unit 154, and a correction unit 155. The functions of each unit of the control device 152 are realized by a program. This program is read from a recording medium such as a CD or DVD. The program may also be downloaded via the Internet. The functions of each unit of the control device 152 may also be realized by a processor and / or circuit, etc.

[0057] The storage unit 153 stores the print data. When the print data is corrected by the correction unit 155, the storage unit 153 stores the corrected print data.

[0058] The transmitting / receiving unit 154 transmits the print data to the printer 10. If the print data has been corrected by the correction unit 155, the transmitting / receiving unit 154 transmits the corrected print data to the printer 10. The transmitting / receiving unit 154 receives information relating to the inclination θ (see FIG. 9) of the printing substrate 5.

[0059] The correction unit 155 corrects the image of the print data based on the inclination θ of the printing substrate 5 calculated by the inclination calculation unit 126 of the printer 10 (see FIG. 9). Specifically, the correction unit 155 rotates the image IM of the print data by the inclination θ of the printing substrate 5 from the example shown in FIG. 7 to the example shown in FIG. 10. The correction unit 155 creates corrected print data by re-RIP-processing the print data taking into account the inclination θ of the printing substrate 5. In this way, it is not necessary to recreate the image rotated by the inclination θ from scratch using an application.

[0060] Next, a procedure for printing an image using the printing system 200 will be described. Fig. 13 is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for printing an image on a printing substrate 5 using the printing system 200. Before starting to print an image, the user places the printing substrate 5 on the support table 12. Here, an example will be described in which a primer is used as the liquid agent.

[0061] First, in step S10, the transmitting / receiving unit 154 of the terminal device 150 transmits print data to the printer 10. The transmitting / receiving unit 121 of the printer 10 receives the print data.

[0062] In step S20, the printer 10, which has received the print data, prints crop marks C1 to C4 and a rectangular mark C5 on the printing substrate 5 based on the print data, and forms a liquid layer LL. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the mark printing unit 122 first ejects ink from the print head 20 toward the printing substrate 5 to print the first crop mark C1, the second crop mark C2, and the rectangular mark C5. Then, the spray control unit 123 sprays the liquid from the spray unit 30 toward the printing area PR of the printing substrate 5 to form the liquid layer LL. Then, the mark printing unit 122 ejects ink from the print head 20 toward the printing substrate 5 to print the third crop mark C3 and the fourth crop mark C4. At this point, the liquid layer LL is not completely dry.

[0063] In step S30, the user removes the printing substrate 5 from the support table 12. This allows the printer 10 to perform another printing job.

[0064] In step S40, the liquid layer LL formed on the printing substrate 5 is dried. The printing substrate 5 is dried, for example, in a location separate from the printer 10. The liquid layer LL may be left to dry naturally, for example, indoors, or may be forcibly dried by directing heat or air toward the liquid layer LL.

[0065] In step S50, the user places the printing substrate 5, on which the liquid layer LL has completely dried, back on the support table 12. At this time, the user tries to place the printing substrate 5 without tilting it relative to the support table 12, but slight misalignment may occur.

[0066] In step S60, the transmitting / receiving unit 154 of the terminal device 150 retransmits the print data to the printer 10. The transmitting / receiving unit 121 of the printer 10 receives the print data.

[0067] In step S70, in the printer 10 that has received the print data, the mark detection unit 124 detects the positions of the crop marks C1 to C4 on the printing substrate 5 that has been placed again on the support table 12 using the sensor 110 based on the print data.

[0068] In step S80, the origin determination unit 125 determines the printing origin PS when printing the image IM on the printing substrate 5 based on the positions of the detected crop marks C1 to C4.

[0069] In step S90, the inclination calculation unit 126 calculates the inclination θ of the printing substrate 5 with respect to the support table 12 based on the positions of the detected crop marks C1 to C4. Note that steps S80 and S90 may be performed in reverse order, or may be performed simultaneously.

[0070] In step S100, the tilt calculation unit 126 determines whether the printing substrate 5 is tilted and placed on the support table 12. If it is determined that the printing substrate 5 is tilted and placed on the support table 12, the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printing substrate 5 is placed on the support table 12 without tilting, the process proceeds to step S150.

[0071] In step S110, since the printing substrate 5 on which the crop marks C1 to C4 and the liquid layer LL are formed is placed at an angle on the support table 12, the transceiver unit 121 of the printer 10 transmits information regarding the angle θ of the printing substrate 5 calculated by the angle calculation unit 126 to the terminal device 150.

[0072] In step S120, the correction unit 155 of the terminal device 150 corrects the image of the print data based on the inclination θ of the printing substrate 5 calculated by the inclination calculation unit 126.

[0073] In step S130, the transmitting / receiving unit 154 of the terminal device 150 transmits the corrected print data to the printer 10. The transmitting / receiving unit 121 of the printer 10 receives the corrected print data.

[0074] In step S140, in the printer 10 that has received the corrected print data, the image printing unit 127 of the printer 10 prints the image IM on the printing substrate 5 based on the corrected print data (see FIG. 11). At this time, the image printing unit 127 ejects ink from the print head 20 to print the image IM on the printing substrate 5, using the printing origin PS determined by the origin determination unit 125 as a reference.

[0075] In step S150, the printing substrate 5 on which the crop marks C1 to C4 and the liquid layer LL have been formed is placed without tilting on the support table 12, so the image printing unit 127 of the printer 10 prints the image IM on the printing substrate 5 based on the print data (see FIG. 6). At this time, the image printing unit 127 ejects ink from the print head 20 to print the image IM on the printing substrate 5, using the printing origin PS determined by the origin determination unit 125 as a reference.

[0076] As described above, in the printer 10 of this embodiment, the control device 120 includes a mark printing unit 122 that prints crop marks C1 to C4 on the printing substrate 5, and an origin determination unit 125 that determines a printing origin PS when printing an image IM on the printing substrate 5, based on the positions of the crop marks C1 to C4 detected by the sensor 110. Therefore, when the printing substrate 5 on which the crop marks C1 to C4 and the liquid layer LL have been formed is removed from the support base 12 and the liquid layer LL is dried, and then the printing substrate 5 is placed back on the support base 12, the origin determination unit 125 can determine the printing origin PS by detecting the positions of the crop marks C1 to C4 with the sensor 110. The image printing unit 127 of the control device 120 then controls the print head 20 to print the image IM on the printing substrate 5 based on the printing origin PS determined by the origin determination unit 125. In this way, even if the printing substrate 5 is temporarily removed from the support base 12 and the liquid agent layer LL is dried in another location, when the image IM is subsequently printed, the printing origin PS is determined based on the crop marks C1 to C4, so the image IM can be printed at an appropriate position on the printing substrate 5, just as in the case where the liquid agent layer LL is dried on the support base 12 without removing the printing substrate 5 from the support base 12. Here, when the printing substrate 5 is removed from the support base 12 to dry the liquid agent layer LL, an image can be printed on another printing substrate on the support base 12, and therefore a decrease in productivity can be suppressed.

[0077] The printer 10 of this embodiment includes a liquid agent tank 32 that stores a liquid agent, and an air supply path 92 connected to an air compressor 91 that generates compressed air. The spray unit 30 is connected to the liquid agent tank 32 and the atomizing air supply path 92d, and sprays the liquid agent atomized by the compressed air generated by the air compressor 91 toward the printing substrate 5. With this configuration, the fine particles of the liquid agent sprayed by the spray unit 30 spread as they approach the printing substrate 5. This makes it possible to apply the liquid agent to a wide area of ​​the printing substrate 5 at once. Therefore, the printer 10 of this embodiment makes it possible to more efficiently apply the liquid agent for pre- or post-printing treatment to the printing substrate 5.

[0078] In the printer 10 of this embodiment, the liquid is a treatment liquid for base treatment of the printing substrate 5. This allows the liquid layer LL for base treatment of the printing substrate 5 to be formed efficiently.

[0079] The printing system 200 of this embodiment includes a printer 10 and a terminal device 150 connected to the printer 10. The control device 120 includes a tilt calculation unit 126 that calculates the tilt θ of the printing substrate 5 based on the positions of crop marks C1 to C4 of the printing substrate 5 rearranged on the support table 12. The terminal device 150 includes a correction unit 155 that corrects the image of the print data based on the tilt θ of the printing substrate 5 calculated by the tilt calculation unit 126. The image printing unit 127 controls the print head 20 to print an image IM on the printing substrate 5 using the corrected print data. With this configuration, even if the printing substrate 5 rearranged on the support table 12 is tilted with respect to the support table 12, the correction unit 155 corrects the image IM of the print data (for example, by rotating the image IM by the tilt θ), allowing the image printing unit 127 to print the image IM at an appropriate position on the tilted printing substrate 5. In this way, even if the printing material 5 is not positioned accurately relative to the support base 12, the image IM can be printed accurately on the printing material 5.

[0080] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention can be embodied in various other forms.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the spray unit 30 sprays a liquid agent for pre-printing treatment, but this is not limiting. The spray unit 30 may also spray a liquid agent for post-printing treatment. This allows post-printing treatment to be performed on the printing substrate 5 on the support table 12. In this case, the liquid agent sprayed from the spray unit 30 is, for example, a topcoat liquid that forms a topcoat layer on ink, such as a clear ink.

[0082] If the liquid agent sprayed from the spray unit 30 has the same photo-curing properties as the photo-curing ink ejected from the print head 20, the liquid agent may be cured by light irradiated from the light irradiation device 21. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 5 Printing material 10 Printers 12 Support stand 20 print heads 22 Print carriage 30 Spray unit (spray device) 31 Spray gun 32 Fluid tank 40 Spray Carriage 50 Main scanning direction moving device 60 Sub-scanning direction moving device 91 Air Compressor 92 Air supply line 110 Sensor (Crop mark detection device) 120 Control device 122 Mark Printing Department 123 Spray control unit 124 Mark detection unit 125 Origin determination unit 126 Tilt calculation unit 127 Image Printing Department 150 Terminal Equipment 155 Correction Unit 200 Printing System C1~C4 Crop marks C5 Rectangular Mark IM Image LL Liquid layer PS printing origin

Claims

1. A support table that supports a printing substrate; a print head capable of printing an image and crop marks by ejecting ink toward the printing substrate supported by the support table; a spray device capable of forming a liquid layer by spraying a liquid toward the printing substrate supported by the support table; a crop mark detection device that detects the position of the crop mark; a control device for controlling the print head and the spray device; a printer comprising: a terminal device connected to the printer; A printing system comprising: The control device a mark printing unit that controls the print head to print the crop marks on the printing substrate; a spray control unit that controls the spray device to form the liquid layer on the printing substrate; an origin determination unit that determines a printing origin when printing the image on the printing substrate based on the positions of the crop marks detected by the crop mark detection device when the printing substrate, on which the crop marks and the liquid layer have been formed, is removed from the support table by a user of the printer, the liquid layer is dried, and then the printing substrate, on which the crop marks and the liquid layer have been formed, is placed again on the support table; a tilt calculation unit that calculates the tilt of the printing substrate based on the positions of the crop marks of the printing substrate that has been re-arranged on the support table; a correction unit that corrects an image of print data based on the inclination of the printing substrate calculated by the inclination calculation unit; an image printing unit that controls the print head and prints the image on the printing substrate using the print data after correction, with the printing origin determined by the origin determination unit as a reference.

2. a tank for storing the liquid agent; an air supply passage including a flexible tube and connected to a compressor that generates compressed air; The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein the spray device is connected to the tank and the tube, and sprays the liquid agent atomized by compressed air generated by the compressor toward the substrate.

3. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid agent is a treatment liquid for surface treatment of the printing substrate.

4. Ejecting ink from the print head to print crop marks on a printing substrate supported on a support table; Spraying a liquid agent from a spray device to form a liquid agent layer on the printing substrate supported on the support table; removing the printing substrate on which the crop marks and the liquid layer have been formed from the support table, and drying the liquid layer; placing the substrate with the dried liquid layer back onto the support table; Detecting the position of the crop mark on the printing substrate that has been placed back on the support table by a crop mark detection device; determining a printing origin when printing an image on the printing substrate based on the positions of the crop marks; and printing the image on the printing substrate by ejecting ink from the print head based on the determined printing origin.

5. The printing method according to claim 4 , wherein the liquid is a treatment liquid for surface treatment of the printing substrate.

6. Calculating the inclination of the printing substrate based on the positions of the crop marks of the printing substrate that has been repositioned on the support table; correcting the image of the print data based on the calculated inclination of the printing substrate; The printing method according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising: ejecting ink from the print head using the corrected print data to print the image on the printing substrate.

Images